Description

This wonderful self catering cottage is perfectly located sitting proud on an elevated site enjoying magnificent mountain and lake views along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Lake View House is beautifully presented, has been newly refurbished throughout offering luxurious accommodation benefiting from large picture windows oozing natural light throughout.

This is a perfect comfortable base to view Connemara’s breathtaking scenery, attractive towns and fishing villages, lively activities, excellent cuisine and enjoy a pint of Guinness in the local bars which play traditional Irish music.

If you are seeking an active or relaxing getaway then Lake View House is perfect for you. There is hill walking on your doorstep (Mamean, part of the Maum Turk Mountains), fishing, horse riding, surfing on the local white sandy beaches, island hoping, scuba diving, local adventure centres offering water and land sports to name but a few things to do. Or if you are seeking peace and tranquility what better place to relax and get away from it all.

The dining area seats upto 6 people, with a large picture window overlooking Mamean, part of the Maum Turk Mountains.

From the sitting room area is a door leading to 2nd kitchen with a small table seating 2, further kitchen units, washing machine, separate dryer. There is a shower room with wc. Door to back yard.

From the dining area there is a door leading to a bright and cosy reception room with a solid fuel fire, comfy leather 3 seater couch and 2 further armchairs, there are 2 large picture windows offering magnificent views of the lake & Mamean.

There is a large sun room with stunning panoramic views, comfy furniture which is ideal place to enjoy your morning coffee or sit back in the evening after a fun filled day touring Connemara and enjoy a glass of wine !

Bedroom 4: Large double bedroom with window overlooking the back of the house with an ensuite shower room.
Family bathroom with bath, shower overhead, sink unit and wc.

Exterior – Fully tarmaced throughout, large garden area which is fully enclosed with 2 cast iron gates. Ideal for young children

Maum Turk Mountain

Mamean, Maum Turk Mountain is on the doorstep of this property…..

High up the slopes of the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara there is a natural passage way known a Máméan (pass of the birds). At the summit of this rugged track you will find an ancient pilgrim site dedicated to St. Patrick. The Maum Turk mountain range runs for 20 miles from Maam Cross in the south to Leenane in the North. The highest peak reaches 703 metres with spectacular views of the Twelve Bens, Inagh Valley, Joyce Country and the mountains of south mayo . The Mámean pathway forms part one of the Western Way climbs. Legend tells of how St. Patrick on his travels through Joyce Country climbed Mámean and gave Connemara his blessing.

Christianised
Thirty miles away from Croagh Patrick the lesser known Mámean pilgrim site dates back to the 5th century. Pre-dating this time it is also associated with the Lughnasa festivals. Like many pagan sites it was Christianised and a great pattern day took place on the last Sunday in July or the first Sunday in August. The site is marked by a holy well, St. Patrick’s Bed; a cleft in the rock and a circles of stones representing the Stations of the Cross. Completing the shrine is a Mass Rock – used during the eighteenth century penal times when Roman Catholicism was outlawed.

Older people gathered by the well
People gathered from both sides of the mountain to celebrate this day. The people of Connemara would ascend from Recess and the people of Joyce Country from Maam. Travel writers in the 19th century give us an insight into the event. Henry Inglis left us his account in 1834. He describes the groups of people moving up the mountain side. Older people gathered by the well and others around tents from which poiteen was served.
‘There were a score of tents or more – some open at the sides, and more closed; hundreds in groups were seated on the grass, or on the stones which lie abundantly there. Some old persons were on their knees, beside the holy well; performing their devotions….I was warmly welcomed as a stranger by many who invited me into their tents. Of course I accepted the invitation; and the pure potheen circulated freely’.

The pilgrimage fell into disrepute
People from Joyce Country and Connemara stayed in two separate groups at the site and the day often ended in a fight;
‘the Joyces and their opponents, usually hold patterns near the same ground, though not close together, but yet so near as to make it impossible that the meeting should break without a scrimmage’
The pilgrimage fell into disrepute in the 19th century due to faction fighting and poiteen drinking. By the mid 1900’s it had almost died out. Fr. Micheál Mc Gréil with great local support was responsible for reviving the pilgrimage in the 1980’s. A small chapel was built beside St. Patrick’s bed and stone crosses were added to mark each station of the cross. A statue of St. Patrick depicted as a shepherd with a sheep at his feet was created by Cliodna Cussen in 1986.
A variety of objects are left behind as offerings
Today the Máméan pilgrimage is a more peaceful event compared to the 19th century. Fr. Mc Gréil and Fr. Fintan Monaghan organise the pilgrimages and events at Máméan. The pilgrimage takes place three times a year on St. Patrick’s Day, Good Friday and the first Sunday in August. People from both sides of the mountain greet friends and acquaintances at the site. One might plan to arrive early to take a rest, enjoy the scenery and have a chat. Some visit the well where a variety of objects are left behind as offerings including hair pins, lighters, keys and coins. Hill walkers pass through taking the Western Way track and the local Red Cross standby. Once the Stations of the Cross begin the crowd descends to total silence. A volunteer leads the stations carrying a white cross from one stone marker to the next. The mass takes place by the mass rock and the chapel. A local Seanachaí and couple of young musicians provide music and some sean nós dancing. Despite the often less favourable weather conditions, the crowds of young and old return to this high place every year.

Clifden – 20 mins drive from Lake View Holiday Home….

Clifden town ‘the Capital of Connemara’ is oozing history, heritage, culture & traditions of Irish Music and Dance. This vibrant town has an array of shops selling top quality gifts, trinket souvenirs and handmade knits but to name a few! You will also find boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. There are cosy coffee shops, pubs from the genuine ‘quaint-Irish’ to the more trendy where entertainment is plentiful. Whatever your taste in music you will find a selection of traditional, modern music and dance. Clifden has a reputation for the West’s ‘Gourmet Capital’ – for its fine restaurants. Take the kids to the town playground where they can have fun on the swings or have a kick about in the pitch beside it!

A must visit is the ruins of the old D’Arcy mansion, Clifden Castle. Along the Sky Road is a gateway leading to the castle. Once a Gothic Mansion, the D’Arcy’s lived here until 1850 when the estate was sold to the Eyre Family who lived here at intervals until the castle fell into ruin in the early 20th century.

There are many fine festivals to enjoy throughout the year in Connemara. Most full of music, dance, fun, laughter, activities and games for the young and the young-at-heart. The most well known and oldest of all is the Clifden Community Arts Festival which offers a superb range of poetry readings, lectures, recitals, traditional music, concerts and comedy

At the summit of the Sky Road peninsula there is Eyrephort beach at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

For those Rainy Days, the Station House Theatre shows the latest movies throughout the week. The theatre also runs live family friendly shows suitable for all ages throughout the summer season. The Station House Leisure Centre have 3 day and weekly passes available for visitors to purchase, which allow you access to the hotel’s gym, swimming pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi!

Why not visit Dan O’Haras homestead (8 minute drive from Clifden town on the N59); an award winning heritage centre which offers a fascinating glimpse of rural Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century. Visitors can enjoy a carriage ride through the centre and see demonstrations of turf cutting, sheep herding and other traditional tasks.

Explore Connemara on an electric bike which can be hired from All Things Connemara (on Market Street) or take part in a bike tour with Connemara Cycling Tours (also on Market Street)

Clifden Friday Market takes place every Friday on Market Square where you will find a wide variety of producers selling their fresh produce to the general public. Be sure to arrive early, as most of the produce and stalls are gone by noon. There’s a good selection of organic vegetables, homemade breads, pies, herbs, fruits, flowers, plants and some clothing.

Clifden has probably the best fishing waters in Europe. The scenery in this area is spectacular on land and at sea with a great variety of seabirds and wildlife, including seals and dolphins. Why not spend the day sea angling? Pack a picnic and spend the day on the beautiful briny sea! Call John at the Celtic Queen on 095-21069 or on 0862484674

Approximately, 4km from Clifden Town Centre, you will find a delightful Pitch and Putt course, which is suitable for all ages and a great activity that the whole family will enjoy!

Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland ‘Connemara is a savage beauty’ Oscar Wilde. Connemara’s landscape will take your breath away, golf competitions and horse riding on wonderful open grassland. . Boat races, regattas, music festivals, marathons, activity events all take place throughout the year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS IN AND AROUND THE CONNEMARA AREA, PLEASE BROWSE THE “THINGS TO DO” SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE

Extra

The electricity and oil is metered upon arrival and departure and will be deducted from your security deposit upon departure.

Linen & towels are inclusive in the rental rate.

Please note that €100 security deposit is required upon arrival. As long as there are no breakages or damage to the property this will be refunded on departure less the cost of utilities.

Check-in time is between 4pm & 6pm (If you require a later check-in time please let us know)

Check-out time is 10am on day of departure.

Please note that most restaurants & cafes in the area have free internet access.

Agent Yvonne Flaherty

Office : +353 95 22669

We have personally visited all of these holiday homes therefore we can guarantee they are to an excellent standard. The majority of homes are family friendly and to make your life easier we can supply a high chair and travel cot (upon request). Know More

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95% of guests recommend Connemara Holiday Lettings from 466 reviews.